Safe running; what do you take with you for protection?
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I always carry my cell phone and pepper spray clutched in my right hand. People and wild animals are around but what scares me are the loose aggressive dogs. Nothing scares them off and I have sprayed several. It gives me enough time to find a stick and head for the edge of the dog's territory. I have also kicked a dog in the face that was going for my foot while biking. I hit one dog three times with the spray before he got the point; the last time the owner saw it and the dog hasn't been loose since. If I'm on the road instead of trails I am hyper aware of my surroundings and try to be prepared- cars, dogs, cows, coyotes, whatever is around.0
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I have on a couple of occasions carried a knife, but I don't normally carry anything. I run either in my safe neighborhood (Chihuahuas and cars are the biggest nuisance), or at a major park here in Houston with dedicated jogging and nature trails (and a lot of people). The worst thing on the trails is the occasional snake. Otherwise, rabbits, butterflies, and mountain bikers are all I deal with.
I wear a Road ID because I don't usually have my wallet. I do listen to music, but I only ever wear one headphone and keep the volume down so that I'm aware of my surroundings. Awareness is key.
I've seen someone die while I was out running, but it was a bike/car accident I witnessed. Was a sad reminder that anything can happen at any time. Be as safe and smart as you can out there, but nothing's guaranteed.0 -
I don't carry anything though I did see another runner with an umbrella to protect her against the buzzard that's been swooping around people's heads in the Scottish countryside where I live. My only safety precautions are not to use the same route at the same time every day (or week), and to wear hi-viz gear in low light so car drivers can see me. How many people with weapons etc. on here have ever actually used them? I can't help thinking it's more about reassurance (and FEELING vulnerable) than actually being at serious risk.
ETA: the dogs I see in the countryside tend to be properly trained. It's the little yappy ones in parks that run at me.0 -
I just run with my Road ID... At 4:30 in the morning, traffic is minimal on my road runs...but I hate loose dogs.... when I'm on the trails, I just keep my eyes open for bears and hope they think I'm not appetizing0
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i too live in a safe area with strict dog laws, but that doesn't mean the occasional dog doesn't get loose. there are a lot of wild life here like deer, foxes and wolves. i've taken a small pocket knife with me once or twice, in case a dog charged at me, but that's about it.0
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What do you carry for safety?
Situational awareness, wit and charm
Have you ever had to use your "protection"?
Situational awareness, yes. Wit and charm, not really; probably just as well...
sums it up for me. I have carried a rape whistle but nobody has given me a reason to blow it.0 -
I did see another runner with an umbrella to protect her against the buzzard that's been swooping around people's heads in the Scottish countryside where I live.
ETA: the dogs I see in the countryside tend to be properly trained. It's the little yappy ones in parks that run at me.
Don't have any aggresive buzzards in my part of Scotland, and reading the other posts about people worrying about bears, coyotes, snakes etc was thinking how good we have it, living in a country where you don't really have to worry about large predators, although the midgies can be down right vicious!!!0 -
Haha, we don't have (as many) midges on the east coast! Just massive great birds swooping at our heads. You win some, you lose some.0
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I've never carried anything, but I will probably start doing so. I just moved to a rough area (it's supposed to be "up and coming") and although I'm only a few blocks from nice parts of town... in those "few blocks" it takes to get there I'm such a target. This neighborhood has clearly never seen a neon-wearing blonde bouncing around in spandex and I feel so uncomfortable the way everyone glares. Men shout at me from houses & cars and slow down to try & talk to me... I really shouldn't run around here but sometimes it's just too convenient to jump out the front door for a run.
SO I just signed up to be part of a trial for these new phone cases which have an emergency alert button. I guess if you press the button it immediately calls the police, texts 5 people of your choice that you are in trouble with your GPS coords, omits a loud noise and turns on your phone light, etc. I can't wait for it to come in the mail!
Yikes, now that I've really thought about how unsafe my area is, I might start carrying my small camping knife.0 -
All these dog stories freak me out immensely. That is my number one fear. I've run lots of trails with coyotes, but I'm still more fearful of early morning runs in my neighborhood with all the damn dogs not secured in yards... The coyotes could care less about me 0
